The Global Achievers The Global Achievers / 2019 Issue 12 | Page 11

5. Estrangement.

When you’re not speaking to a relative, family get-togethers can usher in feelings of sadness, guilt, resentment, or inner conflict about whether to communicate.

6.Pleasing.

Trying to please all of your relatives – deciding what to get, whom to see, and what to do – can make you feel guilty, which leads to depression.

7. Grief.

Missing a deceased loved one. Seniors have more reasons to grieve.

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8. Finances.

Not enough money or the fear of not having enough to buy gifts leads to sadness and guilt. The stress of financial hardship during this economic downturn is often compounded by shame. When you can’t afford to celebrate, it can feel devastating.

Some measures you can take to cope with the holiday blues include:

-Shop early and allow time to wrap and mail packages to avoid the shopping crunch.

-Don’t buy things you can’t afford. Shame prevents people from being open about gift-giving when they can’t afford it. Instead of struggling to buy a gift, let your loved ones know how much you care and would like to, but can’t afford it. That intimate moment will relieve your stress and nourish you both.

- Ask for help from your family and children. Women tend to think they have to do everything, when a team effort can be more fun.

- Spend time alone to reflect and grieve, if necessary. Pushing down feelings leads to depression. Let yourself feel. Then do